Calla Lily
1862
John La Farge's 1862 still life transforms a simple tray of flowers into a moody, almost mysterious scene. Instead of a bright, cheerful bouquet, we see wilting petals and a striking, ghostly white calla lily standing tall against a deep, shadowy background. This piece is a fantastic early example of American Symbolism, where flowers aren't just pretty decorations but carry deeper meanings about fleeting beauty and mortality. La Farge, who later became famous for revolutionizing stained glass, uses thick, expressive brushstrokes here to capture the delicate texture of the blooms and the dramatic play of light and dark.
- Technique
- Oil painting
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